U.S. patent application number 12/228400 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-12 for easily removable multi-paneled locking cover with mess-preventing ring.
This patent application is currently assigned to Stull Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert Thomas Auer, Jameson P. Stull, Jason Wesley Stull.
Application Number | 20090039086 12/228400 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40345497 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090039086 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Auer; Robert Thomas ; et
al. |
February 12, 2009 |
Easily removable multi-paneled locking cover with mess-preventing
ring
Abstract
A container cover for use with a container having a neck. The
cover includes a lid, a skirt extending downward from the
circumference of the lid, and a concentric plug seal extending from
the lid inside the skirt. The cover also includes an annular
recessed channel circumscribing the center of the lid, with the
channel including at least one hole in a side wall of the channel,
the hole allowing air to pass through the lid. The skirt preferably
includes six lock panels. The sides of the lock panels are defined
by vertical slots in the skirt, and each lock panel features at
least one inwardly-projecting lock. When the cover is locked on the
container, the locks engage a lip on the container neck. When a
user wishes to remove the cover, the user pulls up on the edge of a
lock panel, disengaging the locks from the container lip and
removing the cover.
Inventors: |
Auer; Robert Thomas; (East
Stroudsburg, PA) ; Stull; Jason Wesley; (Morristown,
NJ) ; Stull; Jameson P.; (Far Hills, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DRINKER BIDDLE & REATH;ATTN: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP
ONE LOGAN SQUARE, 18TH AND CHERRY STREETS
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103-6996
US
|
Assignee: |
Stull Technologies, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
40345497 |
Appl. No.: |
12/228400 |
Filed: |
August 11, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11890915 |
Aug 7, 2007 |
|
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12228400 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/367.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05B 6/763 20130101;
A47J 36/06 20130101; B65D 2543/0074 20130101; B65D 2251/0071
20130101; B65D 2543/00555 20130101; A47J 36/027 20130101; B65D
2543/00685 20130101; B65D 21/022 20130101; A47J 36/10 20130101;
B65D 43/0212 20130101; B65D 2543/00027 20130101; B65D 2543/00092
20130101; B65D 81/3453 20130101; B65D 2543/00814 20130101; B65D
2543/00629 20130101; B65D 2543/00296 20130101; B65D 2543/00518
20130101; B65D 51/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/367.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/16 20060101
B65D051/16 |
Claims
1. A removable locking container cover for covering a container
having a neck with an outer bead, the cover comprising: a lid
having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a circumferential edge,
the lid including a sloping transition section between a lower
annular surface and a central upper surface; a skirt extending
downward from the lid at or near the circumferential edge, the
skirt having a bottom edge, an inner surface and an outer surface,
the inner surface shaped to extend around the outside of the
container neck; and a plug seal extending from the bottom of the
lid and concentric with the skirt, the plug seal having a smaller
diameter than the skirt, the plug seal being connected to the
bottom of the lid, the plug seal having an inner surface and an
outer surface, the outer surface shaped to substantially be in
contact with the inside of the neck of the container; the skirt
having a plurality of slots formed in the skirt and extending
substantially vertically from the bottom edge of the skirt, the
slots being spaced apart from one another around the skirt, each
pair of adjacent slots defining a lock panel thus forming a
plurality of lock panels on the skirt, each lock panel having at
least one lock formed on an inside surface of the lock panel and
projecting inwardly, the lock adapted to engage a bottom edge of
the outer bead of the container when the cover is locked onto the
container so as to removably hold the cover in place on the
container, wherein the lid further includes at least one hole
extending through the lid so as to allow air to pass through the at
least one hole, and wherein the lower annular surface includes a
channel circumscribing the sloping transition section, the channel
having a bottom and forming an inner wall adjacent to the sloping
transition section, and wherein the channel includes at least one
hole formed in the inner wall so as to allow air to pass through
the at least one hole, the at least one hole extending vertically
along the inner wall.
2. The container cover of claim 1, wherein the hole extends from
the base to the top of the inner wall.
3. The container cover of claim 1, wherein the lid includes: a
plurality of vent holes located on the sloping transition section;
and a plurality of holes in the channel inner wall.
4. The container cover of claim 1, wherein the slots are
substantially equally spaced around the circumference of the skirt
so as to form substantially equally sized lock panels.
5. The container cover of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of
the bottom edge of each lock panel includes a scalloped contour so
as to define finger recesses.
6. The container cover of claim 1, wherein the bottom edge of the
skirt includes a molded bead projecting radially outward from the
skirt on each locking panel so as to provide an area of increased
thickness.
7. The container cover of claim 6, wherein the bead is continuous
around the entire skirt and extends around the periphery of each
slot.
8. The container cover of claim 1, wherein each inwardly-projecting
lock is located on the lock panel adjacent to a slot.
9. The container cover of claim 8, wherein there slots have either
a lock positioned adjacent to the slot or no locks positioned
adjacent to the slot.
10. The container cover of claim 1, further comprising a plurality
of stop ribs connected to the inside of the skirt and to the bottom
of the lid, the stop ribs disposed so that when all of the locks
engage the container outer bead, substantially all the stop ribs
touch the top of the container neck so as to limit vertical
movement of the cover on the container.
11. The container cover of claim 1, wherein the skirt includes at
least one shoulder extending radially outward from, and concentric
with, the circumferential edge of the lid, the skirt extending
downward from the shoulder, the shoulder having a diameter larger
than the circumferential edge, and configured to provide a resting
area for the bottom edge of the skirt of a second cover stacked on
the cover.
12. A removable locking container cover for covering a container
having a neck with an outer bead, the cover comprising: a lid
having a top surface, a bottom surface, a circumferential edge, and
a center section, the center section including a lower annular
section, a sloping transition section, an annular channel formed in
the lower annular section and circumscribing the sloping transition
section, an upper section, and a plurality of holes formed in the
channel and the center section extending through the top and bottom
surfaces so as to allow air to pass through the lid; a skirt
extending downward from the lid at or near the circumferential
edge, the skirt having a bottom edge, an inner surface, and an
outer surface, the inner surface shaped to extend around the
outside of the container neck; a plug seal extending from and
formed integral with the bottom surface of the lid and concentric
with the skirt, the plug seal having a smaller diameter than the
skirt, the plug seal having an inner surface and an outer surface,
the outer surface adapted to substantially contact the inside of
the neck of the container; six integral lock panels forming the
skirt, each lock panel having at least one inwardly projecting lock
formed on the inside surface of the skirt and configured to engage
a bottom edge of the outer bead of the container when the cover is
locked onto the container so as to removably hold the cover in
place on the container, wherein the side of each lock panel is
defined by a slot formed though the skirt, the slot extending
substantially vertically from the bottom edge of the skirt, the
slots positioned on the skirt so that the at least one inwardly
projecting lock is located between each set of slots.
13. The cover of claim 12, wherein the locks are grouped in pairs,
each pair adjacent to a slot such that one lock of a pair is
located on either side of the slot.
14. The cover of claim 12, wherein at least a portion of the bottom
edge of the skirt includes a scalloped contour so as to define
finger recesses.
15. The cover of claim 12, wherein the bottom edge of the skirt
includes a molded bead projecting radially outward from the skirt
on each locking panel so as to provide an area of increased
thickness for grasping by a user's fingertips.
16. The container cover of claim 15, wherein the bead is continuous
around the entire skirt and extends around the periphery of each
slot.
17. The container cover of claim 12, further comprising a plurality
of stop ribs connected to the inside of the skirt and to the bottom
of the lid, the stop ribs disposed so that when the locks engage
the outer bead the stop ribs substantially touch the top of the
container neck, thereby limiting vertical movement of the cover on
the container.
18. The container cover of claim 12, wherein the skirt further
includes a shoulder projecting radially outward from, and
substantially concentric with, the circumferential edge of the lid,
the shoulder having a diameter that is larger than the diameter of
the circumferential edge, and which is configured to be concentric
with the bottom edge of the skirt of a second cover when stacked on
the cover.
19. The container cover of claim 18, wherein the lid further
includes three bypass holes passing through the top and bottom
surfaces of the lid, the bypass holes located on substantially the
same diameter as the shoulder, each hole located approximately
above a lock.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/890,915, filed on Aug. 7, 2007, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to removable covers
for containers, and more particularly, to removable and reusable
covers for use with microwavable containers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is known to provide a removable cover for a container,
such as a container of food or drink. Many such containers can be
placed in a microwave oven to heat their contents. The cover or
closure functions to prevent the contents of the container from
spilling when the container is moved, or splattering when being
heated in the microwave. However, many prior art container covers
have suffered from deficiencies. Depending on their construction,
they may be difficult to put on or to remove, or may be too easily
detached, thereby resulting in inadvertent removal of the cover.
Many prior art container covers suffer from distortion when heated
in the microwave. As a result, the attachment of the cover to the
container is impaired or the quality of the seal between the cover
and the container is reduced. Additionally, many prior art
container covers allow the container contents to "boil over" and
collect on top of the container cover, or run down the sides of the
container. Not only is this visually unappealing to a user, but it
could also expose a user to hot liquid.
[0004] A need, therefore, exists for a cover that is easier to put
onto and take off of a container, inhibits inadvertent removal,
seals more dependably, and prevents loss of the container contents
during heating.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The invention is directed to a container cover for use with
a container having a neck preferably with an outer bead ring or
lip. In exemplary embodiments, the container cover comprises a lid
with a skirt extending downward from the circumference of the lid
and a concentric plug seal extending downward from the bottom of
the lid disposed inside the skirt. The skirt includes a plurality
of flexible lock panels each having at least one inwardly
projecting lock, which hold the cover in place on the container by
engaging the container neck bead ring. An edge of each lock panel
is defined by slots on either side that extend through the skirt
and that allow the lock panel to flex to disengage the bead ring.
The lid includes an annular channel disposed about the center of
the lid. The channel includes at least one hole located in a side
wall of the channel, which hole allows air to pass through the
lid.
[0006] When the cover is installed on the container, the locks on
the inside of the lock panels engage the outside of the container
neck, and the plug seal preferably sealingly engages the inside of
the container neck. In an embodiment, the lid is circular and fits
on a container neck with a circular cross section. Also in a
preferred embodiment, the skirt comprises six flexible lock panels
disposed around the circumference of the cover, defined by six
vertical slots.
[0007] Other objects, aspects and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon
reading the following detailed description, when considered in
conjunction with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings
briefly described below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are
shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred; it
being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to
the precise arrangements and constructions particularly shown. In
the drawings:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the top of an embodiment of a
container cover according to the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the cover of FIG. 1 shown along
lines 2-2.
[0011] FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of a portion of the cover shown
in FIG. 2.
[0012] FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of the portion of the cover
shown in FIG. 2 with a second cover stacked on top.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the bottom of the container cover
of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the container cover of FIG. 3
illustrating the bottom of the cover.
[0015] FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of a portion of the cover of
FIG. 4.
[0016] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the top of the cover shown in
FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of a portion of the cover of
FIG. 5.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 1,
seen along lines 2-2, and installed on a container, with a second
container stacked on top.
[0019] FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of the cover and container stack
shown in FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Referring now to the drawings which illustrate several
preferred embodiments of the invention, a container cover is shown
for use on a microwavable container. As will be discussed in more
detail below, the container cover preferably includes a plurality
of integral lock panels.
[0021] The container may be of any size or shape and may be
fabricated from any of a variety of materials. Preferably, the
container contains food products that are heated in a microwave
oven prior to consumption. Therefore, the container is preferably
fabricated from a material suitable for use with food products and
for heating in a microwave, for example a thermoplastic material
such as polypropylene formed by injection molding. As shown in
FIGS. 2A and 6A, the container 500 preferably includes a neck or
rim with a protruding lip having an outer bead ring 502, or similar
structure proximate to its upper end 504. The outer bead ring may
be disposed directly adjacent to the upper end of the container or
in close proximity thereto. While the container and the cover 10
are illustrated as each having a substantially circular shape, it
will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the
teachings of the invention are applicable to a variety of other
shapes. The following description and embodiments of the invention
are not intended to describe all cover/container combinations, but
are merely illustrative of how the teachings of the present
invention may be employed in the context of a preferred container
configuration.
[0022] The cover 10 is preferably microwavable and easily removed
and reapplied to the container by the user. It is contemplated that
the cover can be locked onto the top lip of the container during an
assembly process at the factory, keeping the top surface of the
container clean during shipping and storage. To remove the cover
cap, the user can pull up on any one of the lock panels. This
mechanical action moves the lock panel away from a container bead
ring 502, at least partially disengaging a lock formed on the
inside of the lock panel from the bead ring 502, thereby making it
possible to lift a section of the cover 10. As the user lifts up on
one lock panel of the cover 10, the cover bends in an arc. The
connection through the skirt and lid of the adjacent lock panels to
the disengaged lock panel causes the adjacent lock panels to also
flex away from full engagement with the bead, thereby at least
partially disengaging those lock panels from the container bead
502. Thus, the lifting of one lock panel results in at least
partial disengagement of the cover 10 from the container 500,
thereby allowing the user to completely disengage the cover 10 with
relative ease.
[0023] In an exemplary implementation, after the user has removed
the cover 10, the user opens the container, such as by pulling
upward on a now exposed metal ring tab of a sealed container top,
completely separating the top from the container and discarding it.
Next, the user replaces the cover and places the container and
cover combination into a microwave oven. Vent holes may be included
in the cover and serve to vent steam generated in the container by
the heating process.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the container cover 10
includes a lid 20, having a top surface 21, a bottom surface 22,
and a circumferential edge 23. When installed on the container, the
top of the lid faces away from the container, and the bottom of the
lid faces into the container. The cover also includes a skirt 30
extending downward from or near the circumferential edge of the
lid. The skirt has an inner surface 31 and an outer surface 32.
When installed on the container, the outer surface faces away from
the container, and the inner surface faces toward the container and
is preferably shaped to fit around the outside of the container
neck and/or outer bead ring. In a preferred embodiment, the skirt
extends downward from the circumferential edge, preferably forming
at least one stepped shoulder 34. Each shoulder is defined by a
substantially horizontal section extending radially outward from a
substantially vertical section of the circumferential edge, with
the skirt continuing to extend substantially vertically downward
from the horizontal section. As shown in FIGS. 2B, 6, and 6A, the
cover is designed to be stackable with cans or additional covers,
which makes shipping and display more convenient. The skirt 30
preferably includes at least one, and more preferably two,
shoulders 34 and 36 (shown more clearly in FIGS. 2 and 2B), which
have a larger diameter than, and are concentric with, the
circumferential edge 23 of the cover. The shoulders may be
interrupted by bypass holes 90, located above the locks 70. The
shoulders create at least one space on which the base of a
container or the skirt of a second cover may rest when stacked, as
seen in FIGS. 2B, 6, and 6A. The shoulders also help to stiffen the
connection between the skirt and the lid.
[0025] Preferably, a reinforcement bead 50 is molded around at
least a portion of the bottom edge of the skirt and projects
radially outward from the skirt. The reinforcement bead 50 is
visible in FIGS. 2B, 5, and 5A. This bead provides strength around
the edge of the cover, stiffens the skirt, and prevents the cover
from breaking when flexed during removal from the container. It
also helps the cover maintain its shape when heated, as well as
aiding the stacking of lids for transport or storage, as seen in
FIG. 2B. Finally, the bead aids in removal by providing a greater
surface area for a user's fingers to act upon, thus reducing the
pressure on the user's fingers.
[0026] The skirt 30 also preferably features scallops or recesses
35 on its lower edge. The scallops provide finger grips for the
user and visually and tactilely indicate where the lid may be
lifted around its circumference. In a preferred embodiment, the
scallops are included around the entire circumference of the
skirt's bottom edge. The container cover is held onto the container
by a plurality of locks 70 and lock panels 40. The locks engage the
outer bead ring on the neck of the container, as will be described
hereinafter.
[0027] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the bottom of the cover of
FIG. 1. FIG. 2A is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 2 (a
cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, seen along lines 2-2). Referring to
FIGS. 2A and 4, a plug seal 60 is preferably formed concentrically
to the skirt 30 and has a smaller diameter than the skirt. The plug
seal extends from the bottom of the lid and preferably connects
along its entire length to the bottom of the lid. As shown in FIG.
2A, the plug seal 60 has an outer surface shaped to preferably fit
snugly and sealingly against the inside of the neck or rim of the
container. Thus, the plug seal forms a seal against the inside
surface of the container rim to prevent or inhibit the contents of
the container from readily passing between the container cover and
the container rim.
[0028] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a plurality of stop ribs 65
preferably extend from the inside of the skirt and/or the bottom of
the lid. The stop ribs are located so that, when the cover is
installed on a container, the stop ribs touch the top of the
container neck, limiting the downward movement of the cover onto
the container. As shown in FIGS. 2B and 4, stop ribs 65 preferably
extend from the skirt and/or the lid, and do not interfere with the
plug seal when the cover is installed. on a container. As shown in
FIGS. 6 and 6A, the distance between the bottom of a stop rib 65
and the top of a lock 70 is preferably sized so that when the cover
is installed on a container having a bead ring 502 on its neck, the
bottom of the stop rib touches the top of the neck or the bead
ring, and each lock engages the bottom of the container bead ring,
thereby locking the container cover in place. The stop ribs
preferably do not touch the plug seal or cause seal distortions.
This leaves the plug seal completely free from all connecting
obstructions that create unwanted shrinkage, which can lead to
leakage problems. Because the plug seal is uninterrupted, it is
preferably completely round and provides a 360 degree seal against
the inside of the neck of the container. Also, as shown in FIG. 6A,
the formation of the lid is such that there is an air gap between
the plug seal 60 and the lock panel 40. This air pocket helps to
insulation the lock panel from the heat inside the lid since the
air pocket permit heat to dissipate and some to flow out through
the bypass slots 90.
[0029] FIGS. 2A and 4A illustrate the lock panel 40 in more detail.
The lock panel 40 is preferably formed as part of the skirt 30. The
lock panel includes at least one and optionally two locks 70 that
extend radially inward from an inside surface of the lock panel 40.
While only one lock is shown on each panel in FIG. 4, it is
contemplated that each panel may include a lock on each end of the
panel. In a locked position, each lock preferably engages the lower
edge of the outer bead ring of the container (especially upon
lifting of the cover upwards.) In an unlocked position, each lock
is at least partially released from the outer bead ring.
[0030] FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 4 showing a
lock panel 40. Also shown is one of multiple slots 80, each of
which are formed in the skirt 30 on either side of a lock panel,
thus defining the ends of each lock panel. The slots extend at
least partially up the skirt. Preferably the slots extend at least
halfway up the skirt between the bottom and top of the skirt. More
preferably, the slots extend for more than 50% of the skirt height.
In a preferred embodiment, the slots are about 0.06 inch wide and
extend about 0.075 inch over the top of the locks, although other
slot sizes and placements can also be used.
[0031] Also, in a preferred embodiment (and as seen in FIG. 5), the
scallops formed in the lower edge of the skirt result in some slots
being slightly longer than others. Specifically, the slots
alternate between being formed at the point where the scallop meets
the bottom edge (the vertically lowermost point on the skirt and,
thus, the longer slots) (80 in FIG. 5), and at the base of a
scallop (the vertically upward from the edge of the skirt and,
thus, the short slots) (80' in FIG. 5A). Preferably the locks are
formed adjacent to the longer slots.
[0032] The slots permit the flexing of the lock panels 40, thereby
permitting the locks to disengage from the container bead. The
flexible nature provided to the lock panels by the slots makes the
cover self-adjusting, and compensates for production variances in
either the cover or the container. In a preferred container/cover
configuration, the container has a circular neck, and the cover has
six slots equally spaced about the skirt. The six slots form six
approximately equally-sized lock panels about the skirt. There is
preferably one lock formed on the inner surface of each lock panel
adjacent to a slot and, thus, the locks are preferably on opposite
sides of a slot. Thus in a preferred embodiment, three slots each
have a pair of locks and three slots do not.
[0033] As discussed above, the locks 70 preferably extend radially
inward from the inner surface of the skirt 30. A preferred form of
the lock can be seen in FIGS. 2A and 4A, with a curved surface
portion facing towards the top of the cover (i.e., upward), and a
linearly sloping surface portion facing downward. When viewed from
below, as in FIG. 3, the locks can be seen to preferably feature a
teardrop shape, although other shapes, such as semicircles, are
contemplated. This shape creates a tapered leading edge that aids
in removal of the lid from the container by providing an easier
transition as the lid is flexing. While the preferred embodiment
includes a lock that features the illustrated cross-sectional
shape, it is contemplated that other cross-sectional shapes, such
as triangles, flat-topped wedges, or circular shapes, may be
used.
[0034] Providing the slots through the skirt adds flexibility to
the skirt and the lock panels. Defining a lock panel by the slots
allows the panel to flex outward away from the container rim as the
locks pass over the container bead ring when the cover is applied
or removed. When removing the cover, the slots in the skirt enable
the lid to flex when the lock is lifted, promoting easy removal of
the cover. The stiffness of each lock panel may be adjusted by
varying the length of the slots defining the edge of the panel. It
is contemplated that the slots adjacent to the locks may extend
through the top of the skirt; however, it is preferable that the
slots do not extend to the top of the skirt as the locks will lose
some of their effectiveness, particularly during and after
microwaving.
[0035] The cover preferably has multiple open vent holes to
automatically vent excess steam and heat that could build up during
the microwaving process. If the steam is not vented, the steam
would build up within the container and could potentially cause an
injury to the user when removing the lid. In FIGS. 1, 3, 4, and 5,
it can be seen that lid 20 includes sloping transitional surface
100, which circumscribes a central upper surface 110. A lower
annular surface 120 circumscribes the transitional surface 100. The
lower annular surface includes a channel 122 that circumscribes the
sloping transitional surface. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the
channel extends downward in the annular surface and forms an inner
wall 124 where it meets the edge of the transitional surface.
[0036] Vents or vent holes are preferably formed in the container
cover to allow air and steam to escape from the container when the
container's contents are heated. In the illustrated embodiment,
channel vents 126 are formed on the channel inner wall and upper
vent holes 130 are formed on the sloping transition section between
the lower annular surface and the upper surface. The channel vents
preferably extend the height of the wall, i.e., from the bottom of
the channel to the edge of the transitional surface. The channel
vents allow the cover to more easily vent steam created by the
heating of the container contents than the upper vent holes alone.
Additionally, because some contents have a tendency to bubble or
"boil over" during heating, the channel captures any contents that
escape through the channel vents, and the placement of the channel
vents allows the contents to drain back into the container. Also,
the placement of the channel and channel vents reduces the
likelihood that the escaping contents will pass through the upper
vent holes. The combination of the channel and channel vents
prevents the contents from pooling on top of the cover or running
down the sides of the container.
[0037] The slope of the transitional surface and the inclusion of
the upper vent holes in it are designed to create a chimney effect
whereupon the heat generated during cooking is channeled toward the
center of the cover and escapes through the vents. This keeps the
locks and plug seal cooler, and results in less potential for harm
to the user while maintaining a better seal. However, while this
embodiment is preferred, other numbers or arrangements of vent
holes may serve the same purpose. It should be apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art that while the embodiment features a
preferable number and arrangement of vent holes, any number or
arrangement of holes may serve substantially the same purpose.
[0038] The user may remove the cover by placing his finger tips
under one of the lock panels and lifting upwards. The lifting
action disengages the locks that are molded on the inside surface
of the lock panel. The slots through the skirt assist in removal of
the cover by allowing the entire lock panel to flex while being
pulled out and away from the container rim. When one lock panel is
pulled upward, the adjacent panels begin to flex, causing the locks
on those panels to disengage from the container rim. Above each
lock is preferably a bypass slot 90 that runs through the top and
bottom surfaces of the lid. In one preferred embodiment, the bypass
slot is formed during the molding process by dies that pierce
downward through the lid. In one preferred embodiment, the die
forces a portion of the lid material downward while in its moldable
state to form the lock. The illustrated embodiment in FIG. 5 shows
a portion of the skirt above the lock as being "shaved," which is
the result of the die forming the lock. Although the illustrated
embodiment includes the bypass slots 90, it should be readily
apparent that the openings are not necessary in the cover. As shown
in FIG. 5, this bypass slot follows the arc of the lid's
circumferential edge and allows the lock panel to flex more
easily.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the locks are grouped in pairs,
with three lock pairs spaced approximately every 120 degrees around
the circumference of the lid. This even spacing ensures uniform
locking pressure and minimizes distortion of the lid during
heating. The inclusion of multiple, evenly-spaced locks also allows
removal of the lid by lifting the lid from any point around its
circumference. Preferably, the ability to remove the lid by lifting
at any point is indicated to a user by the inclusion of scallops
forming finger recesses around the entire circumference of the
skirt.
[0040] Locating the locks on the skirt allows for simple assembly
by placing the cover over the container and pressing the cover
directly down onto the container. When the lock panels engage, they
preferably make a distinct snap sound as the locks slide over the
container bead. The locking action can also be felt by the user
through the finger tips as the locks lock over the container
bead.
[0041] As previously described, the container cover is preferably
made from one piece of injection-molded polypropylene.
Polypropylene has a tendency to grow slightly when heated in a
microwave oven; such growth creates dimensional changes and
deviations. Because the plug seal is in closest proximity to the
heating container contents, it tends to experience more thermal
growth than the rest of the cover components. The plug seal
expansion improves the seal between it and the container rim, thus
serving to reduce the possibility of leakage when the contents are
extremely hot. Because the locks are also in direct contact with
the container, positioning the locks adjacent to only some of the
slots--thus spacing the locks farther apart--creates less vertical
distortion of the cover components during heating.
[0042] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the configuration of
the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of
the invention. It is intended that the present invention cover such
modifications and variations provided they come within the scope of
the appended claims or their equivalents.
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